SDI (Silt Density Index) Test System

Automatic Silt Density Index Monitor

- Fully automatic
- Designed for on-line operation
- Fast and easy filter media replacement
- Data is constantly displayed on the LCD
- ASTM specifications

SPECIFICATION
Dimension
- EZ SDI ; 15”W x 11”H x 9”D
- EZ SDI-4 ; 22.5”W x 11”H x 9”D
Weight ; 13 lbs / 18 lbs
Power ; 120-240 VAC 50-60 Hz, 0.8 Amps
Environment ; 0-50 C degree, 10-90 %RH
Connection ; ¼” Nylon tubing
Sample condition ; 70-1,200 psi, 5-50 C degree
Min. 1,000 ml/min

#1512 KIBI, Kangnam Univ. Kugal-ri, Kihung, Yongin-si , Kyunggi-do, 449-702 Korea
Tel) +82-31-287-5020, Fax) +82-31-287-5021, Mobile) +82-11-745-4060
e-mail) uvip@unitel.co.kr , www.philosmembrane.com
 ™
EZ SDI
Automatic Silt Density Monitor

RODI Systems offers a

cost-effective, automatic
SDI monitoring system. The EZ SDI™
· Fully automatic

Complies with · Designed for on-line

operation

ASTM D4189-95 · Fast and easy filter media

replacement
· Uses standard filter media

Monitoring the fouling tendency of RO feed-

water has long been a challenge. Usually foul-
ing is not noticed until the RO membranes need
cleaning, resulting in expensive downtime or, worse yet,
membrane replacement. It is easy to install, easy to operate, and sells for a
fraction of the cost of other automatic SDI testing
Numerous methods have been used to measure the fouling equipment.
tendency of feed waters, including turbidity, particle count-
ing, and manual silt density index (SDI) testing. It is difficult Operation
to correlate turbidity
and particle counting The EZ SDI™ is microprocessor controlled and fully auto-
to membrane fouling matic. The monitor is housed in a NEMA 4X enclosure and
since they do not is designed for permanent installation in industrial environ-
directly measure the ments. The filter holder allows the use of standard 25mm test
fouling or “plugging” filters available from a number of suppliers. Replacing the
nature of the particles media is a two-minute process and the test is initiated with
in suspension. Since the press of a button.
the manual SDI test
measures this plug- A blinking indicator notifies the operator of the completion
The EZ SDI™ is now available in ging tendency, it has of the test. The SDI results may then be read from the LCD
a four-test version, allowing four proven useful in display. The display is equipped with an LED backlight mak-
separate SDI tests before indicating fouling ten- ing it easy to see the results in any environment.
replacing filters.
dencies. However, the
Tests may be activated:
manual SDI testing The test pressure is controlled with a high-quality internal
• Manually from keypad
• Time interval
method is tedious and pressure regulator which can accommodate inlet pressures
• External trigger (dry contact) time-consuming. above 1000 psi. This allows the sample to be taken from the
high pressure side of the RO feed pump thus eliminating
The RODI Systems EZ SDI™ automatically and consistently cumbersome and expensive sample boost pumps. The test
monitors the silt density index of RO feed water. Operators pressure is constantly displayed on the LCD and the EZ
can quickly and regularly check the effectiveness of the RO SDI™ alarms and aborts the test if the pressure falls outside
pretreatment system without bothering with labor-intensive of ASTM specifications.
manual tests.

ph 505-334-5865 • fax 505-334-5867 • www.rodisystems.com

RODI
systems
Email: info@rodisystems.com • 936 Highway 516 • Aztec, NM 87410-2828
EZ SDI™ and EZ SDI-4™ are trademarks of RODI Systems Corp.
 EZ SDI™ Technical

Principle Air Venting - The unique design of the filter holder allows
The EZ SDI™ uses the same testing method as specified air to be vented from the filter chamber before the
in ASTM D 4189-95. This standard method indicates the beginning of each test. This, together with precise volume
quantity of particulate matter in water and is applicable measurement, ensures that the repeatability of SDI values
to relatively low (<1.0 NTU) turbidity waters such as well from the RODI Systems monitor far exceeds that of the
water, filtered water, or clarified effluent samples. Since manual test.
the size, shape, and nature of particulates may vary, this
test method is not an absolute measurement of the quan- 2 solenoid valves control flow
tity of particulate in a particular water source. Maximum
SDI values of RO feed water are commonly specified by feed vent
RO membrane manufacturers, and demonstrating
adherence to these SDI specifications may be necessary
to receive guaranteed performance from the membrane o-ring seal
supplier.
filter support filter
As specified in the ASTM method, the RODI Systems EZ
SDI™ calculates SDI at five-, ten-, and fifteen-minute The vent prevents air from
intervals. The monitor examines the temperature of the being trapped and increases
the accuracy & repeatability
feed water and displays the change in temperature dur- of the SDI tests.
ing the test.
drain

Unique Features

The EZ SDI™ incorporates a number of unique features

which ensure reliable operation and dependable results. Physical and Mounting Characteristics
Dimensions
Continuous Sample Flow - The EZ SDI™ is designed for EZ SDI™ 15” wide x 11” high x 9” deep
permanent installation. In order to prevent stagnant con- EZ SDI-4™ 22.5” wide x 11” high x 9” deep
ditions in the sample line, the monitor continuously allows
Weight 13 lbs EZ SDI™ / 18lbs EZ SDI-4™
a side stream of sample to flow through the monitor up
to the point where the sample enters the filter. A special- Power 120-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz, 0.8 Amps
ly designed orifice controls the rate of this side-stream Environment 0-50°C 10-90% RH (non condensing),
flow. The orientation of the flow control orifice also allows NEMA 4X
air in the sample line to be separated from the sample
Connections Sample – 1/4” nylon or ss tubing
before the sample enters the filter holder.
Drain – Open
Sample Condition 70 to 1200 psi, 5-50 °C
1000 ml/min minimum

RODI
The EZ SDI™ uses
standard filter media, either
systems
flat discs or disposable car-
tridges (EZ SDI-4™ ph 505-334-5865 • fax 505-334-5867
uses disposable www.rodisystems.com • Email: info@rodisystems.com
cartridges only, ABOVE). 936 Highway 516 • Aztec, NM 87410-2828
EZ SDI™ and EZ SDI-4™ are trademarks of RODI Systems Corp.
 1

EZ SDITM Overview 1
1

TM
Introduction The EZ SDI Automated Silt Density Index Test System is designed to perform a
standard Silt Density Index Test according to the ASTM D194-95. Information is
displayed on a back-lit liquid crystal display, and on individual light-emitting diodes
(LED). Functions and controls are operated through switches on the membrane
keypad.

TESTING

PRESSURE
Test Start
VENT

Test Abort
DRAIN

Drain

Display

TM
Features The EZ SDI incorporates the following features:

• One Temperature sensor to measure temperature change during test.

• One Pressure sensor to ensure proper filter feed pressure.
• Two Alarm Outputs; one for high or low filter feed pressure, and one for high SDI.
TM
Specifications The EZ SDI incorporates the following specifications:

Power Requirements: The controller requires 120 / 240 volts AC, 50 or 60 Hz,
single phase, 1 amp maximum.

Flow Requirements: The controller requires a feed stream with the following
conditions:
• 500 mL / Min.
• 70 – 1500 PSI

Tubing connections: The three tubing connections located at the bottom of the
enclosure are as follows:
• 1 feed water connection: ¼” Tubing
• 2 vent connections: each are ¼” Tubing Fast & Tite connectors
• 1 drain connection: ¼” I.D. hose barb. The hose is included in the
shipment.
 1-2

The unit will flow 150 mL / Min to the drain at all times when the unit is
pressurized. All drain and vent tubing must be routed to an open drain with no
restrictions. A valve may be placed on the feed water inlet tubing to prevent
excess water flow to waste between tests.
TM
NOTE: If the feed water flow to the EZ SDI is interrupted for extended
periods between tests, biogrowth may occur in the sample tubing and affect test
results.

Environment: The controller can operate at a temperature from 0° to 55° C (32°

to 131° F). Relative humidity must not exceed 95 percent.
TM
Alarm Outputs The EZ SDI is equipped with the following alarm outputs. All outputs are in the
form of SPST relays rated at 2 Amps, 250 VAC /30 VDC.

Relay # 1: This output is provided as an external alarm indicator. The output is

energized when the following alarm conditions are present:
• Low Pressure Filter Feed Pressure
• High Pressure Filter Feed Pressure

Relay # 2: This output is for external alarm indicators. The output is energized when
the following alarm conditions are present:
• High Silt Density Index

All outputs are dry contact outputs and do not have internal circuit protection.
! It is the user’s responsibility to provide proper circuit protection on each
output.

TM
Operation The EZ SDI has two operating modes, Test and Standby. These are selected from
the keypad.

The test mode is the operational mode of the system. After installing a new set
of filters, the system may be placed into the test mode by means of the TEST
START key. The system will remain in the test mode until all three SDI tests,
SDI5, SDI10 and SDI15, have been completed. The tests may be initiated
manually by pressing the TEST Start Key, by a preset timed interval or by an
external signal in the form of a dry contact (momentary for at least five
seconds).

The standby mode is intended to place the system in a temporary non-

operational mode. The system will go into the standby mode at the completion
of the filter test. The unit will display a “RELOAD FILTER” message. The
system will stay in standby mode until the operator presses the TEST START
key.
TM
Controls The EZ SDI is equipped with the following controls and indicators on the front panel
of the controller.

• 4 x 20 LCD with LED Backlight

• Four LED Indicators for Alarms and Status
• Four Tactile Keys for Control and Data Entry
Installation 2

TM
Environmental The EZ SDI is mounted onto a flat wall or panel surface. The unit should be
TM
mounted level both front to back and side-to-side. The EZ SDI should not be used
in explosive environments. General environmental specifications are listed below.

Environmental Specifications
Specification Rating
Storage Temperature -20 to 70 Deg C
Ambient Operating Temperature 0 to 55 Deg C
Ambient Humidity 30% to 95 % Relative Humidity (Non-Condensing)

TM
Mounting When mounting the EZ SDI , sufficient room should be allowed on the side and
bottom of the device for access to the I/O and sample connections. Mounting
TM
dimensions are shown below. Note: Filter changing is easier if the EZ SDI is
mounted at eye level.

14.00"

Dimensions to Enclosure Mounting Feet

TESTING

PRESSURE
12.50"

Test Start
VENT

Test Abort
DRAIN

Drain

Display

Connections Screw terminals are provided for making connections for alarm outputs. The
terminals are numbered in ascending order from bottom to top. A power cord is
supplied for standard 120VAC plug-in applications. If the supplied power is to be
TM
hardwired to the EZ SDI then the power terminals are located on the 24 VDC
TM
power supply. (L, N, G). Power should always be disconnected from the EZ SDI
TM
before making or changing any connections. The EZ SDI has internal circuit
protection on the solenoid valves and sensors in the form of a panel mounted fuse
holder. Only ¼” x 1 ¼” fuses rated at 2 amps should be used.
 2-2

TESTING

PRESSURE

Test Start
VENT

Test Abort
DRAIN

Drain

Display

70 - 1500 PSI
500 mL / Min

120 / 240 VAC

60 / 50 Hz, 1 A

1/4" Tubing
Stainless Steel Open Drain

Process Piping

Ground A good common ground reference (earth ground) is essential for proper operation of
TM
the EZ SDI . A good earth ground or power circuit ground should be connected to
the power supply terminal labeled G. If a power cord is used then the ground
terminal on the power cord must be grounded.
 2-3
TM
Water The EZ SDI has 4 water connections: one feed, two vents and one drain. The
location of each of these connections is shown on the following diagram.

Feed Connection

1/4" NPT
SS Connector
1/4" I.D. Tubing
Hose Barb

Parker Fast & Tite

1/4" Tubing Connectors

Drain

Air Vent Water Vent

The feed water operating pressure range is 70 – 1500 psi. The feed water
connection tubing must be ¼” Stainless Steel. For applications with less than 250
psi feed water ¼” Nylon tubing (Parker part# NB-4-035 or equivalent) can be used.
Please consult the manufacturer’s specification for the maximum operating pressure
of the proposed Nylon tubing. Connectors for both stainless steel and Nylon tubing
TM
are included with the EZ-SDI . It is the responsibility of the installer to select the
proper fittings for their application.

TM
The EZ SDI is designed to operate on Reverse Osmosis feed water. This feed
water should be pretreated to remove particles above 160 microns in diameter. The
! use of feed water with particles over 160 microns in diameter can result in plugging of
the regulator or vent orifice. If the regulator or vent orifice becomes plugged then the
unit will malfunction and produce invalid results.

Alarm Outputs All outputs are in the form of SPST relays rated at 2 amps, 240 VAC or 30 VDC. If
larger loads are required, use an interposing relay.

The wiring diagram for the output connections is shown at the end of this section.

It is the users responsibility to provide circuit protection on each of the relay

! outputs.
Operation 3

TM
Controls The EZ SDI is housed in a NEMA 4 enclosure with a membrane keypad.
Indicators include a 4 line x 20 character LCD with LED backlight and four LED
TM
indicators for alarm conditions. The major components of the EZ SDI are
illustrated below.

Feed
Manifold

Filter
LCD Holder
Display

LED TESTING

Indicators PRESSURE
Volumetric
Test Start
VENT

Test Abort
Container
DRAIN

Control Drain

Keys
Display

Pressure
Regulator

Keypad The membrane keypad contains 4 tactile keys that are used for a number of control
and data entry functions.

Test Start: Pressing this key places the unit in test mode. Depending upon the
activation method, a test may start immediately or the unit may display a
“Waiting For Trigger “ message. This key is also used as a “down arrow” when
one of the Settings Screens is displayed. In the settings screens it is used to
decrease the current value of the parameter displayed.
Test Abort: Pressing this key aborts the test in progress, however the unit will
remain in test mode until the final test is performed. To reset the unit to the
standby position perform a Master Reset (see Test Procedure, page 3-2). A
Master Reset can be performed at anytime during the programmed test mode.
This key is also used as an “up arrow” when one of the Settings Screens is
displayed. In the settings screens it is used to increase the current value of the
parameter displayed.
Drain: Pressing this key opens the volumetric chamber drain in the Standby
mode. This key is also used as an Enter key when one of the Settings Screens
is displayed.
Display: Pressing this key advances the display screen to the next screen. To
access the setting screens press and hold this key for 5 seconds. This key is
also used when entering the security code in the settings screens. Press the
Display key to move to the next digit position when entering the access code.
 3-2

LED Indicators The four LED indicators are used to indicate a number of status and alarm
conditions.

TESTING: A blinking Testing LED indicates that the SDI test is in progress.
Once the SDI test has been completed, or if the test is aborted for any reason,
the Testing indicator will be continuously illuminated.
PRESSURE: A blinking pressure LED indicates that the pressure is above the
high pressure warning set point or below the low pressure warning set point.
VENT: Indicates that the test chamber air vent is open.
DRAIN: Indicates that the volumetric container drain is open.

Test Triggers The SDI test may be triggered by one of three means. These are configured in
the Settings screens and are described below.

MANUAL: In this mode, the filter test is initiated by pressing the TEST START
key. After the test is completed, the first line of the display will show “ RELOAD
FILTER”.
REMOTE INPUT: In this mode, the filter test is initiated by a dry contact input
from a remote device such as a PLC or turbidity meter. The number of input
contact closures to initiate the test is adjustable from the Settings screens. For
example, the system may be configured to initiate the filter test every five times
the contacts close. This may be useful when triggering tests based upon
equipment start and stop cycles, filter backwashes, etc. The Status screen
shows the number of input signals (contact closures) counted before the
initiation of the test. The remote contact input must remain closed for five
seconds to be detected. After replacing the filter, the TEST START key must
be pressed to place the unit in test mode. The unit will wait for the input trigger
before performing the test. After the test is completed, the first line of the
display will show “ RELOAD FILTER”.
TIMER: The timer trigger works in a similar fashion as the Remote Input
trigger. After replacing the filter or cartridge, pressing the TEST START key
initiates the interval timer (configured in minutes from the Settings screens). At
the expiration of this timer the test is initiated. After the test is completed, the
first line of the display will show “ RELOAD FILTER”.

Test Procedure
1. If necessary, perform a Master Reset by first pressing the TEST
ABORT key. While holding it down, press the DRAIN key. Release
the TEST ABORT key and then release the DRAIN key. On the main
screen, the first line of the display will change to “ RELOAD FILTERS”.
2. Unscrew and remove previously used filter or cartridge from the feed
manifold.
3. Replace the filter paper. If a cartridge is used then replace the
cartridge by inserting the female end of the Luer connection on the
cartridge into the fitting under the feed manifold. Twist the cartridge to
ensure a tight seal but do not over tighten! A ¾ turn is sufficient.
4. If a valve has been installed in the feed source tubing, make sure that
valve is open.
5. Adjust the pressure regulator until the pressure displayed on the LCD
display reads 30 psi. NOTE: In low-pressure applications it might be
necessary to adjust the pressure reading to slightly above 30 psi in
order to maintain 30 psi during the test.
 3-3

6. Check the water vent drain tubing to ensure a continuous flow is

present. NOTE: If a continuous flow is not present then the tubing
may have some blockage. The blockage must be removed before
starting the test.
7. Press the TEST START key to begin the test sequence. Depending
TM
upon the type of trigger selected, the EZ SDI may start testing
immediately or the system will wait for the appropriate trigger.
8. The LCD will display “TESTING”, the Test LED will blink and the testing
will begin.
9. If at any time during the test the system automatically aborts the test,
look at the main screen to determine the cause. Refer to the
troubleshooting section of this manual to review possible solutions.

Sequence The normal testing sequence is listed below. This sequence is initiated when the
appropriate trigger is activated. The test will not be interrupted unless the TEST
ABORT key is pressed, an alarm occurs or the test is completed.

Start Test
Open Drain Valve wait 10 seconds.
Close Drain Valve and open both Vent and Feed Valves wait 2 seconds.
Close Vent Valve
When volumetric container is full then open the Drain Valve.
Wait for 300 seconds then close Drain Valve.
When volumetric container is full then open the Drain Valve.
Wait for 300 seconds then close Drain Valve
When volumetric container is full then open the Drain Valve.
Wait for 300 seconds then close Drain Valve
When volumetric container is full then open the Drain Valve.
Test Complete
o
Note: If the change in temperature during a test is greater than 1.0 C the results
should be discarded. For each degree of temperature change the flow through the
filter changes approximately 3%.
TM
Screens The EZ SDI displays data and operating status by means of a number of screens
displayed on the LCD. Specialized screens are also used for entering set points.
TM
The following page contains an illustration of the screen displayed by the EZ SDI
and instructions on how to maneuver through the settings screens.

Main Screen - The Main Screen displays information regarding the current test and
calculated SDI values. The top line indicates the current system status. The next two
lines display the last calculated SDI value for SDI5, SDI10 and SDI15. The last line
shows the current filter feed pressure and the change in temperature during the last
test.
System Status

>1< RELOAD FILTERS

SDI5 SDI10 SDI15
00.0 00.0 00.0 SDI Value
PRESS=30 dT=0.5
Current Pressure
Temperature Change